Amazonian plants that have already been successfully developed for health-related purposes in the First World include:
The cinchona tree, whose bark (quinine) has been used in anti-malarial drugs since the 1920s
The guarana shrub, whose berries are used as a natural stimulant in soft drinks and chewing gum
Catclaw acacia, a climbing vine that boosts the immune system and is being studied for its potential in the fight against cancer and Aids
The pau-d'arco tree, whose bark is used in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and candida
Amazonian trees - such as strychnos or chondondendron - whose bark contains curare, the active ingredient of which (dturbocuranine) is used as an anaesthetic and in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease